Syllabi Header

Math 666: Simulation for Finance
Spring 2018 Graduate Course Syllabus

NJIT Academic Integrity Code: All Students should be aware that the Department of Mathematical Sciences takes the University Code on Academic Integrity at NJIT very seriously and enforces it strictly. This means that there must not be any forms of plagiarism, i.e., copying of homework, class projects, or lab assignments, or any form of cheating in quizzes and exams. Under the University Code on Academic Integrity, students are obligated to report any such activities to the Instructor.

Course Information

Course Description: Covers the use of Monte Carlo stochastic simulation for finance applications. Topics include generation of various random variables and stochastic processes (e.g., point processes, Brownian motion, diffusions), simulation methods for estimating quantities of interest (e.g., option prices, probabilities, expected values, quantiles), input modeling, and variance-reduction techniques. Students will write computer programs in C++. Students cannot receive credit for both CS 661 and CS/MATH 666.

Number of Credits: 3

Prerequisites: Prior coursework in probability/stochastic processes, linear algebra, and differential equations; ability to write computer programs. 

Course-Section and Instructors

Course-Section Instructor
Math 666-102 Professor D. Horntrop

Office Hours for All Math Instructors: Spring 2018 Office Hours and Emails

Required Textbooks:

Title Stochastic Calculus for Finance II: Continuous Time Models
Author Steven Shreve
Edition 2004 Ed.
Publisher Springer
ISBN # ISBN
References P. Jackel, Monte Carlo Methods in Finance, Wiley, 2002.
D. McLeish, Monte Carlo Simulation and Finance, Wiley, 2005.

University-wide Withdrawal Date:The last day to withdraw with a w is Monday, April 2, 2018. It will be strictly enforced.

Course Topics

Major topics for this course include:

Policies

DMS Course Policies: All DMS students must familiarize themselves with, and adhere to, the Department of Mathematical Sciences Course Policies, in addition to official university-wide policies. DMS takes these policies very seriously and enforces them strictly.

Grading Policy: The final grade in this course will be determined as follows:

Homework, Quizes, and Projects 30%
Midterm Exam 35%
Final Exam 35%

Attendance Policy: Attendance at all classes will be recorded and is mandatory. Please make sure you read and fully understand the Math Department’s Attendance Policy. This policy will be strictly enforced. Attendance at and participation in all lectures is expected. If you know in advance that you will be absent from class for a legitimate reason, please tell me prior to your absence so that appropriate arrangements (if any) can be made. Tardiness to class is very disruptive of the classroom environment and should be avoided. 

Homework Policy: Homework assignments/projects will be given frequently. Each assignment must be turned in at the beginning of class. Late assignments are NOT accepted. Early assignments are always welcomed and are appropriate for preplanned absences from class. As a standing assignment, you should read the relevant sections of the textbook prior to lecture.

Quiz Policy: From time to time, quizzes may be given. Make up quizzes are NOT given. 

Exam Policy: There will be a midterm examination and a final examination. The midterm examination will occur before the "drop'' deadline. The final examination date, time, and location will be determined by the university.

Midterm Exam TBA
Final Exam Period May 4 - 10, 2018

The final exam will test your knowledge of all the course material taught in the entire course. Make sure you read and fully understand the Math Department's Examination Policy. This policy will be strictly enforced.

Makeup Exam Policy: To properly report your absence from a midterm or final exam, please review and follow the required steps under the DMS Examination Policy found here:

Cellular Phones: All cellular phones and other electronic devices must be switched off during all class times.

Additional Resources

Accommodation of Disabilities: Disability Support Services (DSS) offers long term and temporary accommodations for undergraduate, graduate and visiting students at NJIT.

If you are in need of accommodations due to a disability please contact Chantonette Lyles, Associate Director of Disability Support Services at 973-596-5417 or via email at lyles@njit.edu. The office is located in Fenster Hall Room 260. A Letter of Accommodation Eligibility from the Disability Support Services office authorizing your accommodations will be required.

For further information regarding self identification, the submission of medical documentation and additional support services provided please visit the Disability Support Services (DSS) website at:

Important Dates (See: Spring 2018 Academic Calendar, Registrar)

Date Day Event
January 16, 2018 T First Day of Classes
January 22, 2018 M Last Day to Add/Drop Classes
March 11 - 18, 2018 Su - Su Spring Recess - No Classes/ University Closed
March 30, 2018 F Good Friday - No Classes/ University Closed
April 2, 2018 M Last Day to Withdraw
May 1, 2018 T Friday Classes Meet - Last Day of Classes
May 2 - 3, 2018 W - R Reading Days
May 4 - 10, 2018 F - R Final Exam Period

Updated by Professor D. Horntrop - 1/18/2018
Department of Mathematical Sciences Course Syllabus, Spring 2018